Members' Handbook

PRESIDING OFFICERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

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15.  SPEAKER

The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly is the representative of the House in its powers, proceedings and dignity.

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The duties of the Speaker fall into three categories:

• acts as the spokesperson for the Legislative Assembly in its dealings with the Commissioner and authorities or persons outside the Legislature;

• presides over House proceedings and maintains order in the conduct of its business; and

• has responsibility for the administration of the House and the Office of the Legislative Assembly.

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In order to fulfill the duties and mandate of the position, the Speaker must have the confidence and support of all Members.

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15.1 ELECTION OF THE SPEAKER

At the beginning of an Assembly when the House first meets and before any business can be conducted, the House must elect a Speaker. The election is presided over by the Clerk.

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If the Speaker’s office is vacated for any reason, such as death or resignation, a new Speaker is elected as soon as possible. The Deputy Speaker assumes the Speaker’s responsibilities until a replacement is appointed.

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15.2 THE SPEAKER AS PRESIDING OFFICER

As Presiding Officer, the Speaker’s principal duty is to apply and interpret the practices and traditions of the House and maintain order during debate. To do this, the Speaker relies on the Rules of the Legislative Assembly and other recognized procedural authorities.

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The Speaker’s actions must always be, and be seen to be, impartial. For this reason the Speaker never participates in debate except to cast the deciding vote if a tie should occur. Even when casting a deciding vote, the Speaker normally votes to allow further debate or maintain the status quo in accordance with well-established traditions as opposed to their own views.

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15.3 THE SPEAKER AS DEPUTY HEAD

The Speaker is Chairperson of the Board of Management. The Speaker and the Board have responsibility for the overall management and administration of the Office of the Legislative Assembly. The roles and responsibilities of the Board of Management are outlined later in section 18.1.

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16. DEPUTY SPEAKER AND CHAIR OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Early in the first Session of a new Legislative Assembly, a Deputy Speaker is appointed by motion. The Deputy Speaker may assume the duties of Speaker during the Speaker’s absence. The Member elected as Deputy Speaker also serves as Chairperson of Committee of the Whole. The Deputy Speaker acts as the Chairperson of the Board of Management in the absence or incapacity of the Speaker, or if the Speaker’s position is vacant.

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16.1 DEPUTY SPEAKER'S DUTIES AS CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

When the Assembly resolves into Committee of the Whole, the Speaker leaves the Chair, and the Chairperson of Committee of the Whole takes his or her place at the Clerk’s Table and presides over the proceedings.

When in the Chair, the Chairperson maintains order and decorum in the same manner as the Speaker when the House is in formal Session. The Chairperson ensures that business is conducted in accordance with the Rules of the Legislative Assembly and established practices of the Assembly.

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Some of these Rules and practices are relaxed somewhat in Committee of the Whole. For example, Members may move about the Chamber more freely; Members are not required to stand when speaking; Members may be permitted to speak more than once to an issue but not for more than ten minutes at a time; and no seconder for a motion is required.

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Following a resolution that the Committee rise and report progress, the Chairperson awaits the return of the Speaker. Returning to his or her regular seat in the Chamber, the Chairperson reports to the Assembly on Committee resolutions adopted, progress on the consideration of Bills and all other business transacted in Committee of the Whole.

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17. DEPUTY CHAIRPERSONS OF COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

The Legislature also appoints two Members to act as Deputy Chairpersons of Committee of the Whole. A Deputy Chairperson shall take the Chair when called upon by the Chairperson. The Deputy Chairperson performs the same function in Committee of the Whole as the Chairperson normally does.